AWARDS 2024 | Best Large SAR Boat – Heroinas de Salvora – Seaplace

This is a very impressive ship. The Spaniards obviously take their maritime search, rescue, salvage and pollution prevention tasks very seriously. They spend considerable sums of money on them.

Heroinas de Salvora is a prime example of that serious approach and willingness to spend sensibly. She’s a large multi-purpose ship with every imaginable tool to facilitate all its potential tasks.

"Having been conceived as a multi-purpose vessel, it is not only a salvage and rescue workboat but is also capable of operating in a wide range of roles, including towing, search and rescue, firefighting, pollution control and recovery, as well as monitoring and support for marine operations," Manuel Moreu Munaiz, Seaplace's Founder and General Manager, told Baird Maritime.

"In essence, it is a 'Swiss Army knife' for maritime operations, and designing a vessel under such a demanding premise presents a significant challenge, as any optimal solution for one type of operation may not be ideal for another. However, we have been able to achieve maximum performance in all operations."

In Moreu's view, the success of the vessel likely lies in its powerplant - a hybrid diesel-electric system, which is uncommon for vessels of this bollard pull requirement and power class. The system enables up to 15 different operational modes, allowing power to be distributed efficiently depending on mission profile and sea conditions.

For instance, in patrol mode, the vessel can operate at up to nine knots using just one auxiliary engine (2,000 kW from the 14, 600 kW available).

"This approach offers multiple advantages," said Moreu. "Engines run within their optimal load range, improving performance and extending their service life, all while reducing maintenance costs, fuel consumption (up to 30 per cent in comparison with similar vessels of the fleet) and consequently minimising emissions.

"This not only saves costs but also significantly contributes to environmental sustainability and ship availability."

Moreu explained that a number of challenges emerged as design work continued on the vessel. One notable example was related to the fact that the vessel is one of the first of its kind to integrate drone systems and therefore incorporated a dedicated drone deck and hangar.

The lack of existing regulations for such systems posed a unique challenge for Seaplace and required close collaboration between the classification society, the shipowner, the shipyard, and the design team.

"Since drones operate similarly to helicopters but are unmanned, some safety requirements could be interpreted more flexibly. However, we still needed to ensure the area was designed to the highest safety standards, taking into account the specific characteristics and risks of drone operations.

"Joint research with drone manufacturers therefore became necessary to improve operability."

Moreu believes that the most valuable lesson Seaplace learned from the experience was the importance of early alignment and collaboration among all stakeholders.

"When everyone is on the same page from the beginning - as was the case in this project - the path to success becomes much clearer," he told Baird Maritime.

Moreu said that shipowners now have to make crucial decisions regarding the decarbonisation of their respective fleets, as such decisions will define their operations for the next 30 years.

"For us, as engineers and designers, this represents a challenging, yet promising and transformative era. The current lack of mature regulations and fully developed technologies for alternative fuels, as well as the digitalisation and automation of onboard systems, can actually be seen as an opportunity.

"It’s a blank canvas - one that calls for close collaboration with the industry to explore and develop technically and economically viable solutions for the fleet of the future."

Moreu added that ergonomics and onboard comfort have taken on an increasingly important role in ship design. Seafarers are demanding higher standards of habitability and well-being, and satisfying these expectations will require significant engineering effort.

"This goes far beyond luxurious interiors and open, well-lit spaces. It encompasses the need to achieve exceptionally low noise and vibration levels and to minimise roll and pitch accelerations. These targets are being met through advanced seakeeping systems and optimised hull forms designed to maximise comfort at sea."

Moreu remarked that the shipbuilding industry in Europe has been in steady decline over the last few decades, making it increasingly challenging for design firms and shipyards to survive in a highly competitive but unfair global market.

"Nonetheless, we at Seaplace are currently experiencing a very positive moment. Right now, we have five vessels under construction, all of them equipped with cutting-edge technology. It’s a rewarding time, both technically and creatively."

One highlight for Seaplace in 2024 was the awarding of a contract to develop an advanced commissioning service operation vessel with a total installed power of 25 MW, a dual-fuel methanol and diesel engines, and a highly efficient propulsion system.

"For us as designers, it's truly a dream project - a chance to push boundaries and help shape the next generation of offshore sustainable vessels," Moreu told Baird Maritime. "So while the broader industry faces serious structural challenges, we're optimistic. We see these challenges as opportunities to innovate, adapt, and lead."

In Moreu's view, emergency vessel fleets need to be ready for large-scale rescues, acting quickly and ensuring safe, humane conditions onboard. This requirement has been highlighted by the growing number of what he said are humanitarian emergencies, especially near Africa and the Mediterranean, where migrant shipwrecks continue to occur.

"At the same time, the increase in maritime traffic, along with the emergence of more automated and even autonomous vessels, raises the risk of collisions and demands a rethinking of vessel design and operational protocols.

"These ships, often reliant on remote control centres or shore-based monitoring towers, are also vulnerable to cyber-attacks, thus introducing new layers of risk in an already complex environment. We’re entering a new era of maritime operations, where digital resilience and cybersecurity are becoming as critical as mechanical reliability."

The introduction of batteries and alternative fuels further adds to the evolving landscape. Many of these technologies come with strict and conservative operational protocols due to their inherent risks.

"There have already been incidents of fires triggered by battery ignition - events once considered nearly impossible - which have driven significant advancements in onboard safety systems," added Moreu.

"As these propulsion systems become more common, not only must ships adapt, but external emergency response teams and port infrastructure will also need to evolve to adequately support this new generation of vessels. Storms are also becoming more frequent and severe, and sea conditions demand vessels with reliable and predictable behaviour."

Moreu emphasised that the "human side" of ship design must not be overlooked.

"With a shortage of maritime professionals, it’s essential to improve life on board to attract and retain talent. Comfortable, quiet living spaces, better communication systems, natural light, and overall crew well-being are key factors, alongside robust controls, instrumentation, and effective maintenance operations."

Moreu explained that the workboat industry across Europe is entering a period of significant transformation, driven by the urgent need to modernise aging fleets and comply with increasingly strict environmental and operational standards.

There is also growing demand for new vessels that are not only more efficient and lower in emissions, but also safer, more comfortable, and capable of handling highly specialised tasks.

"Offshore wind and oil and gas operations are generating demand for what the market is calling 'energy vessels' - a new generation of modern AHTS vessels, CSOVs, multipurpose support ships, and other hybrid platforms designed to serve both sectors effectively.

"Fishing vessels - and particularly those supporting fish farming - are also evolving rapidly. Aquaculture operations require reliable, well-equipped vessels able to carry out a wide range of demanding tasks in remote and often harsh environments."

Moreu said that other vessels such as research vessels, port service units, ferries, and dredgers are expected to undergo major updates in line with the industry’s focus on achieving zero-emission operations in the coming years.

"In this context, Spain stands out as a key player," he told Baird Maritime. "The country has a strong tradition in specialised shipbuilding, with shipyards that excel in the design and construction of complex, custom-built vessels.

Moreu said that a highly skilled industrial base and deep technical know-how enable Spain to be well-positioned to meet the evolving demands of the market.

"Whether it's cutting-edge offshore support ships, advanced aquaculture workboats, or next-generation research vessels, Spanish shipbuilders are ready to deliver innovative, high-performance solutions tailored to a rapidly changing maritime landscape."

For a list of the 2024 "Best Of" award winners, please click here.